FAQ Answer

How can I determine the stall speed of an aircraft in terms of calibrated airspeed?

The calibrated stall speed is likely to be several knots faster than the indicated airspeed at the stall, due to the way a conventional pitot-static system works. If the aircraft has previously been operating as a UK microlight then it can be assumed that it has already been assessed as meeting the minimum stall speed requirement. If it is a new design, or has been significantly modified, there are various ways that the airspeed indicator system calibration can be carried out, to determine the calibrated stall speed. Both the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) and Light Aircraft Association (LAA) routinely provide guidance on this via their technical leaflets.